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CIOLEK GIFTS HIMSELF ON BIRTHDAY!
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Gerald Ciolek
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Ciolek edged out Milram duo Marcel Sieberg and Sebastian Siedler in the finale to notch up his eighth season win. "It is fantastic that it worked out for me today. As a sprinter I have to make the most of my chance anytime a race comes down to a bunch finish," said Ciolek.
It may have been Ciolek's birthday, but Sieberg was offering no gifts and his late surge forced the race into a photo finish – with the jury confirming Ciolek as winner a few minutes later.
"It is a great result", said a delighted sporting director Tristan Hoffman: "After the last two breakaways were reeled in with just three clicks to go, Gerald took stock of the situation and showed good awareness to win the stage." Ciolek's lead-out man Marcus Burghardt held on for fourth place to round out a good day for the magenta team.
The 187.3 km stage from Gera to Gotha took the peloton over the rolling hills of the Thüringer Wald region and included two KOM points, one category one and one category two climb.
"Gerald has earned a little celebratory glass tonight," joked Hoffman. "But in a small measure of course – after all we will be back in the hunt for stage wins in the next couple of days."
Ciolek for his part is keen to defend his leader’s jersey in the rolling hills of the state of Hessen: "I will give it everything to defend my yellow jersey on tomorrow's second stage. It is over difficult terrain but today’s stage win has given me added motivation."
21 September 2007